====== IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3233 ======
  *See Also [[IWC Ingenieur]]

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{{wst>image_cr|IWC|Ingenieur Automatic Vintage 1955 ST}}

{{wst>image_cr|IWC|Ingenieur Automatic Vintage 1955 RG}}

{{wst>image_cr|IWC|Ingenieur Automatic Vintage 1955 WG}}

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The **Ingenieur "Vintage" Automatic** (Ref. 3233) was [[IWC]]'s main entry in the [[IWC Ingenieur|Ingenieur]] line from [[2009]] until [[2013]].

===== Overview =====
Both [[Rolex]] and IWC saw the need for a [[engineer|watch for engineers and scientists]] in the 1950s, combining rugged [[automatic]] movements, [[water-resistant]] cases, and [[anti-magnetic]] concepts in the [[Rolex Milgauss]] and this IWC Ingenieur. The concept has remained for over 50 years, with the [[IWC Ingenieur|IWC Ingenieur family]] spawning many models, including an iconic redesign by famed designer [[Genta, Gerald|Gerald Genta]], a pivot to [[motor racing]], and the use of exotic materials like [[titanium]] and [[ceramic]].

IWC had stopped producing most in-house movements during the [[quartz crisis]] and turned to [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]] (then 55% owned by IWC parent company [[LMH]]) for the "Officially Certified Chronometer". But [[IWC 8872|Cal. 887/2]] (based on the [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]] [[JLC 889|Cal. 889/2]]) was also used in the competing [[Audemars Piguet Royal Oak]] and [[Vacheron Constantin Overseas]]. IWC had a great deal of experience with the [[ETA 7750]] chronograph movement and used this basic design to create the new in-house [[IWC 80000|Cal. 80000]] family, launched in [[2005]] with the [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3227|Ref. 3227 Ingenieur Automatic]].

That same movement was used in this [[2008]] Ref. 3233 "Vintage" Ingenieur, a model meant to recall the original [[IWC Ingenieur 666|Ref. 666AD]] from [[1955]]. Like the original, the "Vintage" Ingenieur had a conventional case unlike Genta's [[IWC Ingenieur SL|Ingenieur SL]] and stood out strongly among the high-tech Ingenieur models offered that year as well as the existing Ref. 3227 Ingenieur Automatic. It used [[dauphane]] hands like the original but the pointed bar markers, sculpted bezel, and pointed lugs more resembled the [[IWC Ingenieur 866|Ref. 866]] of [[1967]]. The 42.5 mm case was much larger than the originals, however.

The display caseback showed IWC's in-house [[IWC 80111|Cal. 80111]] and revealed another first This Ingenieur lacked any resistance to magnetism, once a hallmark feature of the model. This feature would be omitted from many future models in the Ingenieur line, much to the chagrin of enthusiasts.

The "Vintage" Ingenieur was initially offered in a limited edition of 500 examples in [[platinum]], Ref. IW323305. This was followed shortly after by an unlimited edition in steel (Ref. IW323301), [[rose gold]] (Ref. IW323303), and [[white gold]] (Ref. 323304). All featured an alligator leather strap rather than a bracelet. Ref. IW323310 "Edition Laureus Sport for Good Foundation" was released in [[2011]] as a limited edition of 1,000 in stainless steel with a blue dial.

The "Vintage" Ingenieur was phased out in [[2012]], to be replaced by the modern [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3239|Ref. 3239 Ingenieur Automatic]] the next year.

===== 2005-2013 Ingenieur Range =====
The Ingenieur line was entirely refreshed in [[2005]] focusing on the [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic|Ingenieur Automatic, Ref. 3227]] and co-branded [[IWC Ingenieur Mercedes AMG|Mercedes AMG model]], the smaller [[IWC Ingenieur 4515|"Midsize" Ref. 4515]], and the [[IWC Ingenieur Chronograph 3725|Ingenieur Chronograph, Ref. 3725]]. The Ref. 3227 Ingenieur Automatic was retired in [[2009]] as the [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3233|"Vintage" Ingenieur Automatic, Ref. 3233]] appeared on the scene.

IWC began launching larger and sportier pieces, including the [[IWC Big Ingenieur 5005|Ref. 5005 "Big" Ingenieur]] in [[2007]] and the [[IWC Big Ingenieur Chronograph 3784|Ref. 3784 "Big" Chronograph]] and [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3236|Ref. 3236 "Mission Earth"]] in [[2009]].

In [[2011]], the Ingenieur design was rebooted again with a new case, first in the [[IWC Ingenieur Double Chronograph 3765|Ref. 3765 Ingenieur Double Chronograph]] and later on a variety of other models. The entire range was refreshed in [[2013]], centered on the [[IWC Ingenieur Mercedes AMG|Mercedes-AMG]] partnership.


<WRAP ud ud_mod>

**Reference:**
  * IW323301 [[Stainless steel]] and black
  * IW323303 [[Red gold]] and champagne
  * IW323304 [[White gold]] and anthracite
  * IW323305 [[Platinum]] and silver, Limited Edition of 500 pieces
  * IW323310 [[Steel]] and blue, "Laureus Sport" Limited Edition of 1,000 pieces

**Movement:**
  * [[Self-winding]] [[manufacture]] movement [[IWC 80111|Cal. 80111]], 28,800 A/h
  * [[Pellaton winding system]]
  * Integrated shock absorber system
  * 28 [[jewels]]
  * Power reserve 44 h

**Case: **
  * [[Stainless steel]] / [[red gold]] / [[white gold]] / [[platinum]]
  * Ø 42.5 mm, H 14.5 mm
  * [[Screw-in crown]]
  * [[Domed]] [[sapphire crystal]] with [[anti-glare treatment]] on both sides
  * Screw-down [[sapphire crystal]] caseback
  * [[Waterproof]] to 120 m

**Dial:**
  * White / Black / Anthracite
  * Dauphin hands
  * Indexes and hands with [[luminous material]]

**Functions:**
  * Hours, minutes, [[central seconds]], date
  * [[Hacking seconds]]
  * Rapid calendar advance

**Bracelet: **
  * Black / Brown crocodile leather strap

**Production: **
  * Production [[2008]]-[[2013]]
  * Predecessor [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3227|Ref. 3227 Ingenieur Automatic]]
  * Predecessor [[IWC Ingenieur Automatic 3239|Ref. 3239 Ingenieur Automatic]]
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{{tag>Watch_models IWC_Ingenieur_models}}